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Power Plant Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DOD Skillbridge Internship - Patrol to Power

Thompsons, TX ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Plant Operator Trainee * I&C Apprentice Essential Duties/Responsibilities: * Recognizes safety ... Learn power plant layout and system operations. * Continually updates knowledge of plant systems ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

We are engineers, high line workers, power plant managers, accountants, electricians, project ... I&E Trainees periodically rotate through assignments at the various power plants and the coal yard.

New

We are engineers, high line workers, power plant managers, accountants, electricians, project ... I&E Trainees periodically rotate through assignments at the various power plants and the coal yard.

New

We are engineers, high line workers, power plant managers, accountants, electricians, project ... I&E Trainees periodically rotate through assignments at the various power plants and the coal yard.

New

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Power Plant Trainee information

See salary details

$10

$32

$71

How much do power plant trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant trainee in the United States is $32.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $42.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Power Plant Trainees during their initial training period?

Power Plant Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning complex technical systems, and managing shift work schedules. The role requires quick learning to understand the operation of various plant equipment and adherence to detailed operational procedures. Trainees may also find the pace of on-the-job learning demanding, as they must absorb both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills under the supervision of experienced operators. However, most plants provide structured training and mentorship to help new hires succeed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Plant Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Trainee, you typically need a background in mechanical or electrical engineering, basic knowledge of power generation principles, and a high school diploma or relevant technical degree. Familiarity with control room systems, safety protocols, and maintenance tools is important, and some companies may require OSHA or other industry certifications. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe operations, quick adaptation to complex systems, and effective teamwork in a highly regulated environment.

What are Power Plant Trainees?

Power Plant Trainees are entry-level employees who receive on-the-job training to learn the operations, maintenance, and safety procedures of power plants. Their responsibilities typically include observing experienced staff, assisting with equipment monitoring, and learning how to operate machinery under supervision. The goal of a trainee program is to prepare individuals for more advanced roles within the plant by providing them with practical skills and knowledge about power generation processes, safety regulations, and troubleshooting techniques.

What is the difference between Power Plant Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectPower Plant TraineePower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsTypically a diploma or degree in engineering or related field; training certificationsRelevant certifications; extensive on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, offices, and plant facilities during internshipOperational control rooms and plant facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training programs in power plantsFull-time operational staff managing plant functions
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles and training programsUnderstanding operational responsibilities and career progression

In summary, a Power Plant Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often during training programs. In contrast, a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for managing plant operations. The trainee role prepares individuals for the operator position through hands-on training and certifications.

More about Power Plant Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Power Plant Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Power Plant Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant jobs? The most popular types of Power Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Power Plant Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Power Plant Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,040 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
DOD Skillbridge Internship - Patrol to Power

DOD Skillbridge Internship - Patrol to Power

NRG Energy

Jewett, TX โ€ข On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to think creatively and proactively about your career choices. ย Our work environment is dynamic and the career opportunities across our businesses offer variety and challenge. ย Providing career growth to our own employees is critical to our ongoing success--take charge of your career goals and empower your future!


ย 

Provide maintenance support to troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain all instrumentation associated with the boiler, turbine, generator, and all auxiliary equipment for the plant.

Available Roles:

  • Mechainic Apprentice
  • Plant Operator Traineeย 
  • I&C Apprenticeย 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Recognizes safety hazards and follows safety guidelinesย for personal protection, protection of fellow workers and the protection of the public.
  • Learnย environmental rules and regulations, and effectively apply them to all work situations.
  • Install, calibrate, test, troubleshoot, and maintain protective relays, computers, metering, monitoring, and control systems on boilers, turbines, generators, and plant auxiliary equipment. In shop location includes performing benchwork and component troubleshooting.
  • Learn to reads, and interprets electric generating plants P&ID's and CWD's to locate, identify, troubleshoot, and repair plant systems, interlocks, etc.
  • Uses test equipment (oscilloscopes, multi-meters electronic bridges, loop calibrators) and hand tools (i.e. drills, screwdrivers) as necessary to troubleshoot and maintain devices and systems for the power plant.
  • Learnย proper, safe use of tools and maintenance procedures.
  • Completes all written and electronic records ( i.e. work orders, calibration sheets, time cards, material requests) required to document the work in progress and as it is completed.
  • Learn power plant layout and system operations.
  • Continually updates knowledge of plant systems and instrumentation.
  • Makes decisions about how best to repair equipment and what resources (tools, time equipment) will be needed.
  • Employee must arrange own transportation to work location and may be reassigned to another location at the Company's discretion.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Associates' Degree or equivalent education in instrumentation, pneumatics, engineering, or a related technical discipline ย 
  • OR
  • Two (2) years military experience in electronics repair and calibration may be substituted for formal training.
  • Must live within reasonable commuting distance of the plant in Thompsons, Texas.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Must receive a rating of Recommended on the NRG Pre-employment Assessment test.ย 

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Ability to complete including classroom and on-the-job training.
  • Good mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in written reports, condition of equipment and status of jobs to crew leader, supervision, operations, and other craft personnel and outside service representatives.
  • Knowledge of electricity, voltage, and current relationships.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Company environmental guidelines.
  • Knowledge of maintenance activities and procedures performed on control systems used in power generation.
  • Ability to read and interpret instruction manuals blueprints and control system drawings; applies knowledge to daily tasks.
  • Ability to learn mechanical and electrical control equipment and basic power plant equipment operation.
  • Ability to use mathematics including algebra and geometry to take measurements and perform computations required for installation and calibration of equipment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repairย pneumatic, electronic and digital controllers used in control loops.
  • Ability to calibrate and perform maintenance on temperature, level, and pressure instruments and transmitters.
  • Ability to Tag Out/Lock Out equipment per NRG's Tag Out/Lock Out procedure.
  • Ability to use a personal computer and associated software.
  • Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g. forklift, plant vehicles, etc.) and maintain operating licenses and certifications.
  • Ability to influence others toward action or a particular point of view.
  • Ability to accept responsibility for your activities.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of plant operations, equipment and skill area knowledge to daily decision making.
  • Ability to do routine cleaning of work area.
  • Ability to complete all written and electronic records to document work in progress and completed.
  • Ability to safely use hand and shop tools.ย 

Physical Requirements:

  • Power Plant Environment-Work both inside and outside in all temperatures and climate conditions in accordance with Heat Stress procedures. Around large rotating equipment, energized electrical equipment in high noise areas, and/or in confined places, on elevations in excess of 250 feet, or from platforms at heights of 5 feet or greater. Climb stairways, ladders, and work from aerial devices.
  • Must be prepared to work irregular or rotating shifts and respond to emergency callout 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
  • Ability to work in mentally stressful environments: must be able to react to crises where immediate action is required to correct or curtail potentially damaging or hazardous situations.
  • Daily work expectation requires ability to perform tasks by walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, shoveling, climbing, and working with hand tools (up to 25 pounds) in position above and below head, and extended from body to complete repairs.
  • Lift, carry, position and useย tools and/or equipment (weighing up to 50 lbs.) in awkward positions, swing various weights of sledge hammers, stoop and bend to reach valves, pull on chain-falls or come-a-longs.
  • Ability to twist the body and neck while driving company vehicles or operating company equipment.
  • Performance of duties may cause frequent jarring of the body.
  • Work with and around hazardous and non-hazardous materials (reference the waste management guidance manual).
  • Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required i.e....steel-toed boots, respirators, goggles, safety glasses etc.
  • Have ability to discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals.
  • Ability to discern assorted colors

This job description reflects an assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.ย  Other duties and tasks may be assigned to this job at the Company's discretion

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. ย To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. ย EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability

EEO is the Law Posterย (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

Official description on file with Talent.


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About NRG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US